Curiosity Mars Rover on display at Process Expo 2013
July 2013
News
The hinged suspension arms allow the Curiosity replica to navigate over undulating terrain.
The Cape Town Science Centre displayed its latest Mars Rover replica on the SAIMC stand at the recent Process Expo held during May. Designed by 22-year-old UCT electro-mechanical graduate, Charlotte Slingsby, the ‘Curiosity’ replica is a six wheeled remote controlled vehicle featuring an integrated CCTV ‘Mastercam; system. This novel design enabled Expo visitors to guide Curiosity around the hall at Nasrec, while observing the robot’s view of proceedings on a nearby TV monitor.
“Through studying electro-mechanical engineering I have put together a ‘toolbox’ of skills and knowledge that enables me to calculate and analyse the various mechanical components, electrical systems and programming needed to create a working robot,” explains Charlotte. “Replicating Curiosity gave me a chance to display my creative and artistic abilities. I am passionate about art and have a deep appreciation for aesthetics, when design and engineering come together a powerful combination is created that can not only be functional, but also appealing to the eye.”
To assist Charlotte to achieve her goal, SA Instrumentation and Control, together with the SAIMC, sponsored Charlotte’s development costs over and above those covered by the university budget. Needless to say we were immensely proud to see the end result decked out in our respective liveries and attracting all the attention from Expo goers.
For more information contact John Crossland, Cape Town Science Centre, +27 (0)73 040 1533, [email protected], CTSC.org.za
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